ON THE MONEY: The Cavaliers can offer 30 million extra reasons for LeBron James to stay put.AP

As the NBA begins its seducing season, the most sizzling summer in the league’s 64-year-old history, it’s important to be aware of an obscured truth relating to the fraternity of authentic Hall of Fame players who became free agents once Rick Barry’s revolving door to and from the ABA was shuttered by the 1976 consolidation.

Shaquille O’Neal is its lone graduate (class of ‘96) to bolt a parent team, with or without it harvesting compensation.

Nobody else qualifies; not Alonzo Mourning, Tracy McGrady, Tom Chambers, a fading Karl Malone, Allan Houston, not even Chris Childs. Tim Duncan would’ve become the second had he shucked the Spurs for the Magic in 2000, but was talked out of it at the last second by teammate David Robinson.

But unlike contemporary unengaged mercenaries who stand to forfeit a year’s salary and two-percent annual increments should they leave home without benefit of a sign-and-trade agreement, it’s not as if Shaq suffered a speck monetarily.

The Big Dumpster disowned the Magic — who foolishly had low-balled him until it was too late — and signed with the Lakers for $120 million over seven years.

To execute that coup, as well as orchestrate Kobe Bryant’s drafting by Charlotte and his acquisition, Jerry West needed the unadulterated support of the two players’ presiding agents and the help of the Vancouver Grizzlies.

At the 11th hour, when the Magic finally started throwing money around, the Lakers — the forerunner of today’s five teams still strategizing to drop decimals so there’s enough paper to invest in two or three “elite” free agents — created the crucial cap space to satisfy Shaq; West traded Anthony (Mr. Fourth Quarter) Peeler and George Lynch to Vancouver for a pair of second-round picks.

By the time Duncan, McGrady and Grant Hill started to flirt ardently with the still staggering Magic in ‘00, free agency financial rules had changed drastically. Looking to help teams with fewer resources to compete for talent against larger marketplaces, defeat disparity and dissuade pivotal players from leaving franchises irreparably devalued and damaged, the aforementioned current, reasonably restrictive formula was established.

. . . unless LeBron is a lot richer than Rashweed, who’s retiring and casually leaving $13.1 million in the Celtics’ vault. Meaning, either Wallace wasn’t fined nearly enough during his 15-year career or he must really crave an unmonitored smoke break.

Having advanced the currency argument, it’s silly to think LeBron’s decision will be influenced by such an unwholesome dynamic. Square that I am, I imagine he’ll be infinitely more swayed by the homeland security neighboring Akron offers and his allegiance to Cavaliers fans and Ohio citizens.

Additionally, I’m inclined to believe LeBron is the kind of person who cannot uproot himself following failure. From the little time I’ve spent with him, I can’t imagine him turning his back on unfinished business.

It’s not as if Gilbert is into hoarding his repaid Quicken Loans. It’s not as if the capsized Cavs are devoid of flexibility. Owners of the league’s paramount regular-season record two years running, they’ve got center and point guard issues, but feature some tradable assets, a mid-level exception to entice a decent free agent, a new (yet unnamed) coach with fresh, amped-up offensive ideas, and a promoted GM (Chris Grant) who will suitably tweak the roster.

I envision LeBron taking another prolonged (three-year) crack at winning a championship (against upgraded Eastern Conference competition, no doubt) for the city of Cleveland.

KNICKS

On the other hand, should LeBron have me fooled and chooses the Knicks, it means he’s unafraid to follow Nate Robinson’s tough act, Patrick Ewing must’ve told him they’re better than the Bulls, and he’s up for the ultimate challenge — attempting to achieve something that hasn’t been done since ‘73. It also implies, zaps colleague Dan Tomasino, he fell for their plan, “Uh, let’s introduce him to Philip Seymour Hoffman.”

Cons: Even if LeBron is joined by other stars, they’re no cinch to compete for a title for a minimum of several seasons. Mike D’Antoni had stars in Phoenix and didn’t win, in the admittedly tougher Western Conference, but still. Should he not win a title immediately, if not sooner, LeBron will be unfavorably compared to former Yankees pitcher Randy Johnson. Anything shy of at least one crown quantifies as a continued descent into the abyss.

Breaking development: Walt Frazier is working on a list of words that rhyme with LeBron.

NETS

Should LeBron choose the Nets because he grew up watching Elgin Baylor play in Secaucus:

Pros: Brook Lopez is his first center who doesn’t have to be back at the nursing home by sundown. Corey Booker says he can be his vice presidential candidate. Russian owner has not been accused of spying.

Cons: Once again, with feeling, they’re the Nets. How can unanimously disliked Devin Harris be a co-leader when no one wants to follow him? He may be “like a son” to Avery Johnson publicly, but privately his old coach had nothing but negative things to say about him. Avery is higher-maintenance than average runway model. What, LeBron’s going to be expected to lead ‘em from 12 wins in regular season to 16 wins in postseason? If you’re gonna play Broadway, play Broadway . . . not off-Broadway.

Breaking development: Nets are trying to acquire Kevin Garnett because LeBron wants to play with K.G., and for the KGB.

BULLS

Should LeBron choose Chicago:

Pros: Tom Thibodeau hasn’t been a head coach before, but already figured out how to stop LeBron, more than once . . . and Kobe, more than occasionally. Tom might know more about LBJ’s game than LBJ does. Young studs — Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and another select free agent, preferably with muscle to negotiate with Dwight Howard — indicate they can contend right now and for the duration of LeBron’s contract with minimal roster manipulation

Cons: Thibodeau has no head-coaching experience and his personality is likened to a Stepford Husband. If he’s so highly-rated, how come owner Jerry Reinsdorf was able to get him on the cheap and the Celtics didn’t promise him Doc Rivers’ job as soon as Rivers steps down?

Breaking development: Sources say LeBron is asking that now-available Larry King be added to Bulls broadcasts.

HEAT

If LeBron accepts Miami’s offer:

Pros: If LBJ is really all about winning multiple titles, he already has an ideal relationship with Dwyane Wade. Sharing the offensive and defensive burden is awfully appealing with the idea of seeing the Lakers every season in The Finals. It also means a longer shelf life for both. The prospect of Pat Riley returning to the bench is fascinating, as well. Even if Erik Spoelstra isn’t given time to spend with his family, Padre Riles is Miami’s leader. Have you ever heard of the GMs calling the shots in Chicago and Cleveland?

Cons: Riley won’t put up with LeBron’s posse; will that affect his state of mind? Even with LeBron, Wade and another hired gun, the Heat still may not have enough pieces to beat Orlando. Guaranteed, the five- or six-year deals signed by LBJ and Wade have escape clauses after three. That would put the franchise in same position as Cleveland found itself — having to make risky, expensive trades (a la Antawn Jamison) and surround him with force-fit pieces.